Slotting Cutter's Insert Positioning Extends Life, Accuracy

The Kennametal Narrow Slotting (KNS) cutter enables the separation of cast exhaust manifolds and steering components; the milling of clamping slots on shaft supports and stock collars; and the machining of keyways, heat-sink grooves, yokes and O-ring grooves. Customers can mount a series of KNS cutters on an arbor either to machine multiple grooves at once or to conduct multiple cutoff operations. The tool can also be used to remove five-axis machined or 3D printed parts from base material.

As a narrow slotting cutter, it reduces waste by machining away very little material. A combination of radial and axial positioning improves tool life and part accuracy. It has inserts for deep slots with flat or radiused bottoms, in addition to double-ended inserts. A double-V design secures insert retention. The tool accommodates slot widths ranging from 1.6 to 6.4 mm (0.063" to 0.250"). Inserts are available with single- or double-ended cutting edges providing either a flat or full-radius cutting edge. The cutter diameters range from 63 to 250 mm (2.5" to 10"), with arbor or shell mounting options.

The company offers three insert grades for the cutter. KCU25 and KCPM40 are multi-phase PVD grades that provide good edge stability and wear characteristics in steels, stainless steels and high-temperature alloys. KCPK30 is a CVD-coated grade suitable for rough milling and general machining of steels and cast iron.

Due to rake geometry and edge preparation, the inserts freely cut but also maintain edge toughness. The geometry also promotes chip flow, curling stringy materials into tight curls.